Like many, I've tinkered with various single-carb setups on my old wing. I started with a 40mm Keihin CV off of a Harley and later, a Weber DGV progressive 2-barrel. Each had their pros and cons.
I came across LD's web site a couple of years ago and we shared an email exchange or two on the subject. He counseled me not to waste my time and to go with his intake and the round bowl Solex. I searched the forums and found some very favorable reviews of his setup. Everyone seemed to really like it so thought I'd give it a go. Unfortunately, I drug my feet for too long and by the time I was ready to purchase, he'd shut down the business. I know he was convalescing following a medical issue last fall but I assumed he'd resurrect the business later. Several attempts to contact have been unsuccessful.
In early March, I decided to fabricate my own. I constructed mine of 16 gage mild steel exhaust pipe. I created a jig, cut and notched the pipe in my shop, and had it all tig welded up by a local welder/fab shop. Looked like a professionally manufactured product. I purchased an old Solex 30 PICT-1 locally off of Craigslist and rebuilt it. I didn't know anything about these carbs at the time and I got a 47-1 which didn't have the integral return spring and perch. I had to fabricate my own. I jetted it according to L.D.'s advice and proceeded to put ~1,000 miles on it (80 mile/day commute). The throttle shaft of that old carb leaked like a sieve – sloppy loose. Ran fine but had a hard time idling, would stumble when I came to a stop, etc. I considered having it rebushed but decided instead to get a 75-1 which is the same 30 PICT-1 that includes the return spring but no enrichment circuit, idle solenoid, etc.
Sorry folks – I tend to get wordy.
I'll cut to the chase. I've now put over 4,000 miles on the new carb and I couldn't possibly be happier. This thing runs like a dream! I get ~40mpg and that's at an average speed of 75mph. It starts quicker than any carbureted vehicle I've ever owned, idles well, and runs like a scalded ape. I've ridden it at every elevation from sea level to ~7,500 feet and no issues.
I've decided to manufacture a short run of these manifolds and see if there's any interest. I'm awaiting bids from my welder and a couple more but I'm aiming for a manifold-only price <= $200. I've found two sources of remanufactured carburetors that sell them for ~$150. EMPI also makes an after-market copy but I've been advised to steer clear of them. I spoke to L.D.'s source (Speed Shop in Harriman, TN) and he's now reselling a Chinese knockoff (not EMPI) that he says seems to perform and hold up well. At this point, I still favor a rebuilt, genuine German Solex.
If anyone is interested, holler.
To anyone who purchased or owns one of LD's intakes, I'd like to ask a couple of questions:
ps. Steve, if this post sounds too much like and advertisement, apologies. Pull it and I'll edit to just solicit info/feedback from those with one of LD's intakes. I'm not going to make a worthwhile profit on the endeavor. I just hope to put the same smile on a few more faces that I'm wearing. ;-) Thanks for an awesome site.
I came across LD's web site a couple of years ago and we shared an email exchange or two on the subject. He counseled me not to waste my time and to go with his intake and the round bowl Solex. I searched the forums and found some very favorable reviews of his setup. Everyone seemed to really like it so thought I'd give it a go. Unfortunately, I drug my feet for too long and by the time I was ready to purchase, he'd shut down the business. I know he was convalescing following a medical issue last fall but I assumed he'd resurrect the business later. Several attempts to contact have been unsuccessful.
In early March, I decided to fabricate my own. I constructed mine of 16 gage mild steel exhaust pipe. I created a jig, cut and notched the pipe in my shop, and had it all tig welded up by a local welder/fab shop. Looked like a professionally manufactured product. I purchased an old Solex 30 PICT-1 locally off of Craigslist and rebuilt it. I didn't know anything about these carbs at the time and I got a 47-1 which didn't have the integral return spring and perch. I had to fabricate my own. I jetted it according to L.D.'s advice and proceeded to put ~1,000 miles on it (80 mile/day commute). The throttle shaft of that old carb leaked like a sieve – sloppy loose. Ran fine but had a hard time idling, would stumble when I came to a stop, etc. I considered having it rebushed but decided instead to get a 75-1 which is the same 30 PICT-1 that includes the return spring but no enrichment circuit, idle solenoid, etc.
Sorry folks – I tend to get wordy.
I'll cut to the chase. I've now put over 4,000 miles on the new carb and I couldn't possibly be happier. This thing runs like a dream! I get ~40mpg and that's at an average speed of 75mph. It starts quicker than any carbureted vehicle I've ever owned, idles well, and runs like a scalded ape. I've ridden it at every elevation from sea level to ~7,500 feet and no issues.I've decided to manufacture a short run of these manifolds and see if there's any interest. I'm awaiting bids from my welder and a couple more but I'm aiming for a manifold-only price <= $200. I've found two sources of remanufactured carburetors that sell them for ~$150. EMPI also makes an after-market copy but I've been advised to steer clear of them. I spoke to L.D.'s source (Speed Shop in Harriman, TN) and he's now reselling a Chinese knockoff (not EMPI) that he says seems to perform and hold up well. At this point, I still favor a rebuilt, genuine German Solex.
If anyone is interested, holler.
To anyone who purchased or owns one of LD's intakes, I'd like to ask a couple of questions:
- From what material was it constructed? From photos, also looks like steel.
- What was the finish (i.e. paint, powder coat, etc)
- Do you have any complaints, criticisms, or suggested improvements?
ps. Steve, if this post sounds too much like and advertisement, apologies. Pull it and I'll edit to just solicit info/feedback from those with one of LD's intakes. I'm not going to make a worthwhile profit on the endeavor. I just hope to put the same smile on a few more faces that I'm wearing. ;-) Thanks for an awesome site.
